Cannabis is being used today in so many amazing ways, and we are still learning what all this plant can do for us. It’s mind-blowing to think that just one plant can have so many benefits and be used so differently. One of the many variants is known as a cannabis alcohol tincture, or just “cannabis tincture.”
For Starters, What Is A Cannabis Tincture?
A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that is suspended in an alcohol solution, but there are other solvents you can use to make a tincture such as vinegar. However, most cannabis tinctures are made with a type of grain alcohol. Tincture simply means “a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol.” Tinctures have actually been used in homeopathic medicine for many, many years. This works for any herbs you want to use, cannabis included!
How Is Tincture Made?
Following the same guidelines as making a traditional tincture, you start by soaking the leaves and the flowers (or bud) of the cannabis plant in a high percent grain alcohol (such as Everclear). This act concentrates the active ingredients in liquid form. And thus you have a cannabis alcohol tincture.
Tinctures are one of the preferred methods of consuming cannabis for users who are just being introduced to it and want to microdose. It was, before being banned in the United States in the 1940s, the more common form of cannabis medicines taken. Now legal once again for medical purposes, tinctures are making a resurgence and are becoming very popular again.
Most tinctures come with a dropper which allows the distribution of one or two drops of the solution at one time. They can be very concentrated when made properly so you will want to take it in small doses. For the most part tinctures are taken sublingually, this means that drops are administered under the tongue. This is the fastest, and most preferred way to ingest a cannabis tincture. Some prefer to simply swallow the drops though, when done this way, the effects will take significantly longer to be felt than when taken sublingually.
It is important to note that differences in effectiveness can be caused by the type of strain used, so be sure you look into which strain best works for you and your body. Everyone is different, and microdosing is suggested if you are new to taking cannabis in any form.
What Are Tinctures Typically Used For?
Typically, a tincture is used as a supplement to help in general health improvement and overall well-being.
People use this both medicinally and recreationally mostly to aid in sleeping, leveling out hormones, passing bowel movements, and many other ailments.
It is a wonderful introduction to ease into smokeless cannabis and is an alternative to smoking and vaping.
Queen Victoria used a #cannabis/alcohol tincture to help with the pain from menstrual cramps#marijuana #weed #hemp #LegalizeIt
— Cannabis Historian (@CannabisHistory) October 7, 2013
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Cannabis Tincture?
One of the benefits of using a cannabis tincture is similar to using cannabis in any form. It is exceptionally beneficial in a multitude of ways including helping with insomnia, anxiety, and eating disorders. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be used as a supplement to help with pain management.
Another plus to using a tincture is the super convenient way to control doses, because of the dropper you can measure out a drop or two at a time. Due to the alcohol content, the solution has an incredibly long shelf life. It can sit undisturbed for long periods without losing its effectiveness.
What is Cannabis Alcohol Tincture Used For in Cooking?
So honestly, how can you use a cannabis tincture in cooking? There are a number of foods that can gain therapeutic benefits by adding a cannabis tincture to them. Mostly these foods have a liquid aspect to them like gravy, soup, and any number of juices. It can also be used as a topper to any meal without taking away from the overall flavor.
Now, remember, a tincture is pretty potent so pay attention to dosing when infusing! They will work faster than traditional edible will because of the alcohol. Alcohol enters into the bloodstream very quickly and this makes tinctures quick and effective in the field of medicine.
Cannabis tinctures, like any other cannabis-related product, have great therapeutic benefits to offer. It’s not only versatile and organic, but it’s also easy to use. What more could you ask for?
